Monday, 15 May, 1944

 2364226                                     

Sergt. S. Bristow
Headquarters
15 L of C Signals
Cen Med Forces                                                                           149?

15 May 44

My Very Own Darling,

Oh my poor old feet!!  I have pounded the streets of that city where I am spending my leave, for the past few days with the result that my feet, unaccustomed to such punishment, are almost raw!  The last time they hurt me so much was on the occasion of that early morning trail from Lundwood in the cold & snow.  Remember?

However, the experiences I have had in the past few days are well worth all the energy expended, I can assure you.  All that stops me from enjoying myself to the full is the fact that you are not by my side to share all the excitement.  As I promised in my last letter, I will give you a full description by sea letter.  To attempt to describe anything in such a short space as is afforded by an air letter is impossible.

I had an unexpected surprise yesterday.  An air letter from you turned up at my temporary address, having been re-directed by my pal.  It’s un-anticipated arrival made it more exciting than usual.

It is thrilling to read how much you love me, Darling, & to know that you are missing me so much.  I feel, like you, that one cannot put into adequate enough words one’s feelings towards the other.  You will understand therefore, Darling, when I just say that I am living for one day only – and that there’s no need to tell you which, is there?

I have forgotten all about “that certain letter” to which you refer, Dear, for the past 18 months have proved beyond all doubt that we are deeply in love and that it is a love which is founded on something firm and strong.  It was an unhappy chapter in our life, but we weathered what was our first storm very well, didn’t we?

I’ve just had a very tiring day walking through the streets of ancient Pompeii and am at present sitting in the Sergts’ Mess garden which overlooks the bay.  It is rapidly getting dusk & on the cool evening breeze, so refreshing after the heat of the day, is wafting the mixed perfumes of roses, lilies, orange blossom & carnations.  It is a romantic setting, Darling.  Oh! If only you were here to enjoy it with me.

To be able to slip my arm around your waist & draw you close so that I could steal a kiss, would complete the happiness which I seek.

More later on, Angel.  Always thinking of you.  Yours Stan  xxxxxxxxxxxx

Stan doesn't say anything about it in his air letter (above) but he saved the programme and ticket from a concert at the S. Carlo Opera House on the evening of 14 May.  The programme included music by Vivaldi, Tchaikovski, Wagner and Borodin.